Company
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Back to Company SearchDYNAMIC STRUCTURES AND MATERIALS, LLC
UEI: M5ETGFJGNSW7
Number of Employees: 24
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
SBIR/STTR Involvement
Year of first award: 1999
31
Phase I Awards
18
Phase II Awards
58.06%
Conversion Rate
$2,831,332
Phase I Dollars
$14,013,417
Phase II Dollars
$16,844,749
Total Awarded
Awards
High-Capacity Balance with Tailored Compliance
Amount: $139,759 Topic: AF251-0011
The internal balances used to measure the loads on wind tunnel models have reached a high level of development, but the current state of the art can struggle to deliver the size, sensitivity, and capacity needed for highly loaded models. The Air Force needs a new approach or architecture for internal balances to improve the accuracy of wind tunnel measurements. Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) proposes the development of a new type of balance with tailored compliance. By introducing localized directional compliance, measurement of the different types of loading will be decoupled. This will improve the capacity and sensitivity of the balance and will give more flexibility to set the capacity for different types of loads independently. The loads described in the topic description will be accommodated by a 2.5-inch diameter balance with the specified safety factors. The proposed approach is based on well-developed design techniques for compliant mechanisms; DSM believes it offers a path to meeting the topic requirements with a high probability of success.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2025
DOD
USAF
Actuators for Direct Fire Precision Munitions
Amount: $99,791 Topic: A18-028
Americas potential adversaries and non-state actors have increasing access to sophisticated weapons. Our warfighters need counters to these threats that turn the cost ratio in our favor.Affordable guided projectiles launched at high velocities from conventional powder guns can accomplish the direct fire missions that were previously reserved for expensive missile systems.However, several design challenges remain before deployment and proliferation of these gun launched projectile interceptors.To meet these challenges, Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) proposes leveraging its significant experience developing actuation systems for extreme environments to develop an actuator specifically designed for the next generation of small/medium caliber direct fire guided projectiles.The proposed actuator effort focuses on a development capable of substantially improving the maneuverability, survivability, and SWaP of direct fire guided projectiles.The Phase I statement of work includes an actuator design, fabrication, and test cycle to demonstrate feasibility early in the program, and allow the merit of the technology to be judged before moving on to more advanced Phase II development.A successful program will result in a CAS technology specifically designed and proven through rigorous testing to meet the difficult performance, packaging, and mission survival requirements needed for future direct fire guided projectiles.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2018
DOD
ARMY
High Bandwidth Hexapod for Hypersonic Flight Simulation
Amount: $749,960 Topic: AF161-224
Hypersonic flight environments can include motion with high frequency spectral content that is difficult to simulate.This high frequency vibration may adversely affect the accuracy of guidance and control sensors, so it is very important to the Air Force Research Laboratory to be able to recreate the motion in a way that allows sensor performance to be evaluated.Motion platforms such as the KHILS ISTAT facility have been built for this purpose, but current technology only partially addresses this need.Present frequency capability is limited to about 500 Hz, while 1000 Hz bandwidth would ideally be available.Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) believes that these needs can be met through a high-frequency motion simulator (HFMS) that uses a parallel kinematic actuator (PKA).A project has been conducted to evaluate the feasibility of and project the performance for the system.Important findings from the Phase I research are summarized and a plan is presented to build the HFMS in Phase II.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2017
DOD
USAF
Flight Tested Integrated Guidance Electronics Package
Amount: $1,497,637 Topic: SB163-014
While guided munitions have been used with great success, the technology for these weapons is still rapidly advancing and more nations are gaining access to them. In order to fulfill its mission to assure that the US is the beneficiary of technical surp...
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2017
DOD
DARPA
Reliable Cryogenic Flow Controller
Amount: $439,998 Topic: Non-DOD
Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) has a wide range of test facilities used to validate aerospace technology, including chambers that simulate space environments. These simulations require accurate thermal control of large chambers at cryogenic temperature. AEDC is interested in using a new type of actuator to modulate a valve for flow control of cryogenic (~20 K) gaseous helium inside space simulation chambers. The actuator was developed by Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) with support from NASA; it has progressed through multiple successful prototypes and is ready for validation and insertion into relevant applications. The goal of the proposed research is to perform further development and validation of the actuator and combine it with a suitable valve so that it can be used to improve the performance of the space simulation chambers. When installed, the technology will offer many benefits, including faster chamber cycle times, reduced thermal load, better temperature control, reduced chance of faults related to vacuum deposition, and reduced operator oversight. A test program will be used to validate the system before it is used in the chambers. As part of the program, actuated valves will be delivered to AEDC for installation and use at the facility.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2016
DOD
USAF
High Bandwidth Hexapod for Hypersonic Flight Simulation
Amount: $148,177 Topic: AF161-224
ABSTRACT: Hypersonic flight environments can include vibration with high frequency spectral content that is difficult to simulate.This high frequency vibration may adversely affect the accuracy of guidance and control sensors, so it is very important to the Air Force Research Laboratory to be able to recreate the vibration in a way that allows sensor performance to be evaluated.Motion platforms such as the KHILS ISTAT facility have been built for this purpose, but current technology only partially addresses this need.Present frequency capability is limited to about 500 Hz, while 1000 Hz bandwidth would ideally be available.Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) believes that these needs can be met through a high frequency motion simulator that uses a parallel kinematic actuator (PKA).High performance linear motors will be used with a novel approach to construction of the joints to provide high performance, reliable motion simulation.This actuator will be combined with a flexible, open control architecture and high resolution sensors, resulting in a system that is maintainable and able to deliver the high acceleration and precision necessary for hypersonic flight vibration simulation.; BENEFIT: The most direct benefit of the proposed development effort is improved fidelity in hardware-in-the-loop simulations at the KHILS facility.This will lead to better accuracy and more confidence in the performance estimates for US interceptors and similar hypersonic vehicles.After successful deployment at KHILS, there will be other opportunities to apply this technology.There are other flight simulation facilities such as the ones at USAF AEDC that might benefit from a similar capability.While remaining compliant with ITAR and other restrictions on distribution, DSM will seek to market related products for high performance vehicle simulation; this is a well-developed industry that would benefit from the increased capability described.Hexapods have many applications outside vehicle simulation, so it may also be feasible to market similar devices for wire bonders or similar high speed assembly applications.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2016
DOD
USAF
Reliable Actuator for Cryo Propellant Fluid Control
Amount: $695,167 Topic: X10.01
Fluid handling applications in cryogenic and extreme environments require reliable actuation technology that can handle extreme temperatures, mechanical bind-up from ice and foreign contaminants, and operation in poor conditions. A novel EM hammer drive technology is proposed for use in cryo-propellant fuel storage and regulation valves/devices. In addition to high force, the new drive technology offers potential advantages for miniaturization, heat load reduction, and lower cost than traditional electromagnetic and piezoelectric actuators. Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) proposes to focus the Phase II innovation on the development of a hammer drive actuation mechanism that will take the EM oscillatory power and produce continuous linear motion for operation at cryogenic and extreme environments. DSM has demonstrated expertise in the operation of its high force linear motor actuators at temperatures down to 77 K. The proposed actuator should operate from approximately 4 K to 400 K and should provide very low or no out gassing as well as operational capabilities in hard vacuum. The technology is proposed for applications in the cryo fluid management, pressure and flow control, and driving operational equipment and instruments. This proposal addresses DSM's approach to the development of flight-scalable demonstration components for the EM hammer drive technology.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2013
NASA
Reliable Actuator for Cryo Propellant Fluid Control
Amount: $124,995 Topic: X10.01
Cryogenic fluid handling applications require a reliable actuation technology that can handle very low temperatures. A novel EM hammer drive technology is proposed for use in cryo-propellant fuel storage and regulation valves/devices. In addition to high force, the new drive technology offers potential advantages for miniaturization, reduction of heat load, and lower cost as compared to traditional electromagnetic actuators. Dynamic Structures and Materials (DSM) proposes to focus the Phase I innovation on the development of a hammer drive actuation mechanism that will take the EM oscillatory power and produce continuous linear motion for operation at cryogenic and extreme environments. DSM has already demonstrated operation of its high force linear motor actuators at temperatures down to 77 K. The proposed actuator should operate from approximately 4 K to 400 K and should provide very low or no outgassing as well as operational capabilities in hard vacuum. The technology is proposed for applications in the cryo fluid management, pressure and flow control, and driving operational equipment and instruments. This proposal addresses DSM's approach to the development of flight-scalable demonstration components for the EM hammer drive technology.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2012
NASA
Non-Inductive Control Surface Actuator
Amount: $749,990 Topic: N101-096
DSM demonstrated an inexpensive, non-inductive actuation mechanism that can be used in a canard actuation system (CAS) without adding noise or bias to the measurements of onboard magnetometers during guidance and fuzing operations of miniaturized precision munitions. The Piezo actuator based Phase I prototype met program specifications and is ready for a Phase II opportunity.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2011
DOD
NAVY
High Reliability Cryogenic Piezoelectric Valve Actuator
Amount: $599,999 Topic: X8.01
Cryogenic fluid valves are subject to harsh exposure and actuators to drive these valves require robust performance and high reliability. DSM's piezoelectric actuators offer advantages over traditional alternative actuator technology. However, in order to use piezoceramic actuators in cryogenic fluid handling applications, proof of operational reliability and improvements in thermal neutral response are required. During the Phase I, DSM experienced great successes and found multiple compelling reasons to continue into Phase II. Particular successes include: gaining access to a new piezoceramic material with superior cryogenic performance, demonstrating a flight-like vibration test survivability level for a small actuator sample set, and, development of a novel composite actuator with excellent neutral thermal response. The outcome of the Phase I yields multiple compelling reasons to continue into Phase 2. The potential for application of this actuator technology to cryogenic fluid valves is substantial with interested NASA advisors at NASA JSC, MSFC, and GRC.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2011
NASA